Walmer RNLI volunteer undergoes four day training
Walmer crew member Bab Melles returned yesterday 12 March from an intensive four day navigation course at the RNLI College in Poole.
Bab joined other volunteers from lifeboat stations around the country.
The navigator role was created for fully qualified crew with the introduction of the Operational Competency Framework for training (OCF). The course is designed for more experienced crew working towards becoming a navigator on our lifeboats as a pathway to helm status. To get the best out of the course, crew must have a basic knowledge of navigation and be familiar with the basics of electronic navigation (E Nav). He covered radar training mixed with practical navigation skills over the course of the four days.
Elements of the course included radar for navigation and collision avoidance, paper and electronic chart work, position fixing, tidal heights and streams, communications and delivering navigation briefs and navigating at high speed.
Prior to the course, self-study included an introduction to navigation, electronic navigation and knowledge of IRPCS (International Regulations for the Prevention of Collisions at Sea).
Bab said:’ I really enjoyed the course, which was hugely beneficial to my nav plan. Just a few more modules to complete back at station and I’ll be ready to undertake a pass out later in the year and join Walmer’s existing four already qualified navigators.’
Notes to editors
Walmer lifeboat station was established in 1856.
It currently operates two inshore lifeboats – a B Class Atlantic 85 Hounslow Branch and a smaller D Class Duggie Rodbard II.
Crews have received 28 Awards for Gallantry
To find out more about Walmer lifeboat station go to https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/walmer-lifeboat-station
RNLI media contacts
- Chris Winslade, Lifeboat Press Officer, Walmer Lifeboat Station on 01304 374475 or 07906 623037 [email protected]
- Julie Rainey, RNLI Regional Communications Lead on 07827 358256 [email protected]
- Jess Curtis, RNLI Regional Communications Manager (London/East/South East) on 07724 801305 [email protected]
- For enquiries outside normal business hours, contact the RNLI duty press officer on 01202 336789 or [email protected]
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The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.
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